Are you ready to ditch the complicated pie crust and enjoy all the deliciousness of pecan pie in a convenient bar form? This recipe, a favorite circulating on Facebook, delivers incredible pecan pie flavor with a buttery graham cracker crust that’s surprisingly easy to make. It's perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a satisfying weeknight treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this quick, easy, and undeniably delicious recipe! These pecan pie bars are a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a healthy dose of sweetness without excessive effort. They're one of the best recipes you'll find for a quick dinner dessert or a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
Get started with the crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal later.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even layer. This creates a sturdy base for the delicious filling.
Now for the pecan pie filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves, making sure they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly to ensure even baking.
Baking and cooling:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached – it shouldn't be completely clean. Overbaking will dry out the bars.
- Let the pecan pie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for Pecan Pie Bar Perfection:
- Toast your pecans: For a deeper, richer flavor, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked bars will be dry. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
- Cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely ensures they hold their shape when cut.
- Storage: Store leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced Pecan Pie Bars: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the filling for a warm, autumnal flavor.
- Pretzel Crust: Substitute crushed pretzels for the graham cracker crumbs for a salty-sweet twist.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: Approximately 18-20g Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
These pecan pie bars are a simple, yet impressive dessert that will quickly become a favorite among your friends and family. They are a great example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both easy recipes and healthy meals (depending on your serving size!). Enjoy!